A pipeline is a complex system, geographically spread on a wide territory, requiring technologies and methodologies to support the identification of pipeline segments that are highly potentially at risk of failure. This paper tackles a dual problem: to describe the most significant causes that may lead to a pipeline segment failure; to evaluate the occurrence of these causes leading to a failure, according to technical characteristics of the pipeline, infrastructures, territorial elements, and land use activities in the pipeline neighbourhood. This analysis constitutes the methodological basis to implement a Geographic Information System to support decisions as regards risk analysis and land planning criteria.